Scrimmage is a blast for almost 5,000 at St. Pete Times Forum

It has been a pleasure to write about some positive stuff concerning the Lightning the past few weeks. The team has made some fine additions through free agency and now has what should be a respectable blue line, and there should even be some competition for jobs. 

Saturday night's scrimmage at the St. Pete Times Forum, the highlight of the week-long Young Guns camp, added to the list.

For starters, the turnstile count was 4,717, and the fans were enthusiastic. As owner Oren Koules said, "It was good to feel a buzz in the building again. We're glad to see the great fan support for our prospects and newest players."

Here are some snapshots:

The day actually began with a news conference to introduce  defensemen Mattias Ohlund and Matt Walker, the team's top free agent signings. But it was Koules whohad the best line. Calling the signings "Plan A," he added, "It was kind of a risky proposition because we didn't have a Plan B."

With his usual No. 2 already worn by defenseman Lukas Krajicek, Ohlund will wear No. 5. Walker will wear No. 8.

Center Steven Stamkos said players appreciate that management is taking steps to improve the team. "It's great from a player's perspective. You're looking at them, and they're doing everything possible to help this team out and giving us, as players, as opportunity to make something happen, and that's all we can ask for. They're being proactive and going out and getting pieces of the puzzle for us. We want to go out there and put those pieces to the puzzle together."

Alexander Killorn had two goals and Luke Witkowski and Matt Marshall had a goal and an assist each as the Black beat the White 5-2 in a scrimmage oftwo 20-minute periods with a running clock. Killorn and Juraj Simek tied in the hardest shot competition at 91 mph.

Killorn, who is at Harvard; Witkowski, who played last season for USHL Fargo; and Marshall, who played at the University of Vermont, earned their notices with good aggressive play. Matt Read, from Bemidji State, had two assists and also was noticeable and had the best shootout move of the night a clearly practiced deke off his skate that resulted in a goal.

Rookie defenseman Victor Hedman did not do much to stand out, and at times seemed tentative with the puck, and on one ill-conceived play, moved in off the blue line, lost the puck to create a two-on-one the other way. But let's give the guy some slack. He had an assist and is adapting to a new style of play in North America and on a smaller rink. He'll get it.

Forward Dana Tyrell lookedgood in his first game situation since blowing out his knee in a warm-up game for Canada against Sweden before the junior world championship. He showed good speed and several times carried the puck to the net and forced the goalies to make good saves. "I was flying out there," he said. Lightning assistant coach Wes Walz, who is running the camp, agreed. "He looks as strong as ever. His skating doesn't look like it's missed a step for me. If anything, he looks a bit quicker because he's fitter than he was. If there is a silver lining to this situation, he's had a lot of time to train and get stronger. He's busted his butt real hard."

Can't the son of owner Oren Koules get some respect? Miles Koules is 15 years old and attends Shattuck-St. Mary's High, a hockey factory in Minnesota. Miles,  though up to eight years younger than some of the players at the camp, held his own during the scrimmage. He even got an assist on Killorn's second goal into an empty net. Butwhen the assist was announced by the PA guy, Miles' last name came out as Cow-less instead of Koo-liss. Sheesh.

Bottom line, give the Lightning and the fans that showed up a thumbsup for a well-done evening.   

Comments

[Steve-O]

Casper, that slush is beer perfected. Beer that cold is Utopia.

Randy, thanks for the insights it is good to know that the owner is a real live person.

[olin]

...Randy C
I met with Hedman outside the forum when he walked back to the hotel in the morning. I wasn't in the line for his autograph, but do have images of him in his Tre Kronor attire. Am sure quite a few people that were there had the same images.
It was a fun day and evening, worth the drive up from sarasota.

[Casper]

Thanks Randy; all we can do for the next 62 days is watch and wait.
On paper, we look no more hideous than the best half of the league. We need Wilson because coaching brings that out onto the ice. (MulletBoy didn’t/couldn’t support the brokeback owner’s mouth.) How are we going to underachieve the acquisition this year?

Nothing left for us to do but grab a fishin’ pole, or stick a beer in the freezer and watch the clock until the temp is done to that perfect balance of a very light sheet of beer slush inside. Not quite solid, and the coldest liquid attainable.

I’m honing my craft…

Go Bolts!

[Randy C]

2way, Thank you, hope you get to do one of these.

PD, No, I did not. He did mention how irritating it was for "people who didn't have a clue about the organization to post things about the Bolts that were totally false." Also said he checks the blog every day. You should go to one of these, they're good people PD.

[PD]

Randy did you ask him what the club cap will be set at?
Say hi.

[2WayCenter]

Good stuff Randy!

[Randy C]

Olin,

Was that you with the Hedman picture I the Swede uniform? I knew I should have asked you. Yes Matias has a vice grip. Casper, I spoke to Oren about a D coach, he refused to be direct, kindly I add, that there is someone in town having dinner at this moment in Tampa. That if we heard something by the end of the week, it would not surprise him. He also was very nice to talk to. I mentioned our blog and he quickly said he looks each day. He remembered PD as that canadian negative guy. Also mentioned how much he liked the positive buzz here the last couple weeks! For those of you that never get to meet Oren, he is nice guy to talk to. He is also a proud dad, got to see his son make some real nice shots during the young guns practice. He also made sure to add how much he like Smaby and was confident he would be here in Tampa.

Got to speak to Lawton also. In person I got none of the uneasy feelings so many perceived here about him before July. Took time to explain his side of the draft and free agent experience. He added that he looks to the agents he knows and players to get a feel for how he thinks players will gel before he pursued acquiring them. As happy as I am about what we've done so far, he answered by saying that we haven't seen the result yet and there was lots of work to be done.

If you get the chance, go to a "beyond the blue line" event. Meeting the players and management added another reason to be a fan of the Bolts!

[olin]

....Ajax, I shook hands with both Hedman and Ohlund. Hedman is 18 and his paw's dwarfed mine and I am a 60 year old carpenter with a fair grip, and Yes Ohlund is 32 and has a vise grip...nothing wrong with being 18...wish I was.
Hedman will be fine once he adjust's the the smaller ice.

[Hockey Chic]

Hey Hyjy,

You asked Hey HChic, being from STL The Question naturally follows, where'd you go to high school?

In California actually. I left the area a long time ago. But St. Louis will always be my home town.

I cannot wait to watch the Homerun Derby Tonight it should be a blast.

Hope everyone gets to see it.

Go Bolts....

[kissluisa]

you all knew team make tehre work pay them pank for game and show last yr to . the was not right i work there it suck being time
just give us are free panking back

[kissluisa]

give us are free panking back to work it notright ata ll

[kissluisa]

you all know team make there worker pay to pank for game and show the is not right all .

[kissluisa]

we work wont are free panking back for next yr

[2WayCenter]

ajax - yeah, Ohlund's hands are huge and like a vise. Agree too that based on Sat's scrimmage, Hedman's development will take some time. But also, that was day 3 of what I heard described as a pretty exhaustive camp, and the boys were breathing hard. Who's that defensive coach?

[PD]

Karma there is a Timmies at MSG location! Streetside I'd guess.

Leafs have 9 better Dmen than Kraj., so I don't think Burke is your sucker.

[Casper]

Three clubs gave up more goals than we, last year. If I hear of Rick Wilson signing to coach defense for the Islanders, Thrashers, or the Stinking Leafs I will rate our summer improvements at a C-.

In all fairness, Dallas was down there at 25th, two above us. Their defensive injury problems though not putting 21 defensemen on the ice, still paralleled ours when you throw in their fearless leader Morrow not there to, well, lead. But Wilson’s record stands head and shoulders above any defense coaching ever known to this organization.

63 DTG and we still don’t have the guy looking at our films, contacting our fellas to clue them on expectations. Sounds like it’s going to be a Mongolian _ _ in a few months. Lots of second rate mouth running an inconsistent cardboard defense. I don’t wish for Sullivan; he’s a first rate head coach but defense? So-so.

C’mon Honchos, reel in the Big One! Sign Rick Wilson and immediately ask Mike Smith how many fingers you're holding up. You'll like the answer.

Go Bolts!

[Broi!an]

Had a blast at the Prospects Camp. Got a spot right on the glass which is a really fun spot to watch the game (right next to the officials box). Best part about it was the teenage girl three seats down put her full cup right up on the edge, not two minutes in a hit happened right in front of her sending the soda all over her. Wishart looked great and Kevin Quick is aptly named. Can’t say any of the goaltenders looked all that great but I understand they are really young still. Hedman is a big kid, although with Mahlik and Wishart out there he didn’t stand out all that much. He whiffed on what would have been a great shot from the center blue line. Koules kid for only being 15 gave his all and has some great speed, not sure if he would even have a shot if not for his dad owning the team but he looked just as good as most of the others on the ice(was wearing number 26 strangely enough). Looking forward to the season!!!!

[Don in St. Pete]

Oldtimer, Lashoff, Lundin and Karsums like Smaby are unsigned Restricted Free Agents. All have been tended a qualifying offer, which means the Bolts can match an offer sheet from another team or recieve Compensation. Because Smaby has filed for Arbitration, he is uneligible to recieve an offer sheet from another team. Training Camp is still a long ways off, the team could still concievably look very different on the front end by the time camp rolls around. We have a glut of defensemen, and at least 1 extra forward as well.

[karma]

Don,
My money is on your analysis re: Krajicek...they signed in order to trade. Probably some sucker like Burkie will sign him!
Other than that, I don't think we have any idea who the lines will be, but I would guess the vinnies will be together and Stammer and Marty will be together. Of course, most of these guys can play on any line. I'm curious to see is Downie has matured into an NHL player and will show any discipline this year. He has a ton of energy, he's quick, and always seems to find the puck. Problem is that he finds trouble too...

By the way, anyone else see that Tim Horton's is moving into Manhattan? Sure would like to see a franchise at the rink!

[hyjyljyj]

"...TB fans that you regularly beret as stupid and uninformed..."

Can't make this stuff up :^D)

[oldtimer]

Gus,

My reasoning on Craig is simple. He is one of the few guys on this team who showed any heart at all last year. He was injured most of the year and played hurt, he fought guys he had no business fighting in order to stand up for his teammates and He is willing to go to the net and take punishment unlike R.Toucan. he also has great hands. I like Pettinger's speed and his overall game but I would still take Craig when he is healthy. Maybe this is his year.

Once again in regards to Smaby. I think he's one of our best "D" but I didn't include him because he is not under contract as of yet.

[Don in St. Pete]

Great thread and extremely invigorating to see the moves the Bolts made and the excitement in the fan base. Ajax, I agree on the potential that Krajicek has and the lack of heart. Matt Smaby on the other hand.....what can you say? The last 6 weeks in a walking boot, clearing the front of the net, sticking up for his teammates and meeting the rush at the blue line. I'll give you my starting lineup based upon who's signed and the RFA's I believe will sign. I'm betting that Lundin and Lashoff were offered 2 way contracts. My theory on the Foster signing is that Lawton signed him so that they could bring Hedman along slowly, letting him watch a game from the press box now and again if he has a bad game. Foster can step in and run the PP just like Hedman, and came cheap. I think they signed Krajicek to deal him to get something back in the trade that saw Ouellete and O'Brien sent to the Nucks.

Prospal-V4-St. Louis
Malone-Stamkos-Tyrell or Bochenski
Veilleux-Halpern-Downie
Hall or Karsums-Sczezchura-Artyukhin

Ohlund-Mezsaros
Ranger-Walker
Hedman-Smaby

Foster

The lineup up front and on d, isn't perfect and could still be improved. Bochenski makes sense as a top 6 as he's had some success there in the past, although he's been unable to sustain it for a full season. Veilleux is a checker and will matchup well with Halpern and Downie ( though Downie could move up if Tyrell or Bo can't stick in which case you move up Karsums ). Mez is the only guy talented enough to stick up with Ohlund to start the season, though I feel you will see Smaby here by years end. Walker is not a true top 4 but you want Smaby back with Hedman and or Foster to start the year. If thinks work out by the end of the year Rags and Walker should be the 3rd pairing. Look for them to try to trade 2 of the 3 extra defensemen for a top six winger, though that may be hard to accomplish. Any one of Craig, Bochenski, Karsums and Konopka could also be dealt to facilitate that goal as well.

[ajax]

the good news is there finally is a discussion on who to keep...the last two years it was.....get rid of em all....Krajicek has way more talent than Smaby but zero heart...that said he has a one year contract and should be killing himself to stay out of the minors...but I thought that last year and he played like a wuss...only thing is, this year they can send him down and leave him...somehow I expect alot more out of Krajicek..all legs, no heart...what is Smaby waiting for??? talk about a bonehead move...sign the contract...keep improving and then make some real money....Last night was obviously not the level of intensity to judge guys...that said I thought for all the hype that Hedman would be heads and shoulders above thesse guys...he wasn't....advanced for an 18yr old, yes...ready to make an impact in the NHL...I doubt it...I think with Tocchet he will come along very slowly....that is good.....I also don't see a 220lb body when I look at him...now shaking hands with Ohlund....that was a man....he was the catch we were all looking for....he looks the part...let's hope he plays it...speaking of Captain PeeDee...yeah he is always absent when there is something good to write...dying, salivating til an injury or something... then he will be back with his doom and gloom....only the Canadian writers on the blog are civil to him....he discredits himself cause, while somethings are not good....he invents bad news....I have to laugh everytime I read (going back to probably about June 2008) the constant drum of the keys going back to Palace. 2007 payroll under Palace was37/38 million...those were the good guys (actually PeeDee hated them too) but now the broke guys are at 50 million with a puppet GM and the league looking to take them over. When PeeDee goes on his rants all of you should just remind yourselves of how ridiculous so many of his posts are..Everytime he goes on and on about Palace and Feaster and Brad and Danny....I just go back and read all the posts when he was blasting them with our emblem on the jersey....Now he just hates Vinny and Smith and Mezzy....but will love them when they leave.....I nicknamed him flipflop..our mess on the blog known as PeeDee (among a 1000 aliases)

[Casper]

Dang straight about Krajicek!

I have a goofy theory that certain numbers have a jonas and #2 is one of them. If Ohlund absolutely must have the deuce after (Praise the Day!) Krajicek leaves, give it to him---he likely won't remind me of Neckar at all.

But, Daryl Sydor gave #5 a boost of good stature.

The only guy I want to see wearing #32 is the one wearing it now!

If #14 isn't going to be ready to go turbo in the beginning of October, then HE'S the odd man out! Maybe someone can be gullible enough to look at his up side and throw us a juicy pick to use during the trade deadline.

Go Bolts!

[RICK L]

give ohlund his #2 i don't even see krajicek being here this season!

[Boltflasher]

Tampa review on Hockeybuzz:

Tampa
Rough Cap Space: 8 million
Players Needed: 2
Need: Forwards
Should Sign RFA's: Downie, Karsums, Lashoff,
Other Notable RFA's: none
Conclusion: The Lightning have had a phenomenal off season Bolstering their defense to go with a potent and up and coming group of forwards.

...and, yes, its a bit warm here in Vegas but the sports book is cool...

[gus georgiou]

Oldtimer:

Can't agree with your lineups with you not having Smaby in the top six D-men. I would rather see him instead of Kraijeck any day and probably would rather see him playing instead of Ranger.

I wish you and anyone else on this site would explain to me your reasoning for wanting to see Craig on one of our bottom two lines!! He is the slowest skater I have seen in a long time, has no stick handling abilities, and is good if for 10 to 15 points a season if you get lucky. I would rather see Pettinger instead of him all day long. Package him along with other players and get a top six forward.

[Randy C]

Coach Bill,

Hope they party went well. We had our league championships so I could not be there. Isn't it great to see this well thought out and executed off season? There is going to be some great competition at camp, this year is going to be a much better experience for Bolt fans. Like every year, we'll have a surprise player step up and make an impact, who this year? Lots to look forward to.

[Lightning Rod]

PD
Looks like your real happy with Burke and the Leafs now, so why don't you just take your thoughts and points of view to the many Leaf blogs available to you. It's obvious, you have another reasons for blogging here; but they sure aren't related to the Lightning or their fans who blog here. In away, I feel sorry for you, given the amount of time I know that you have spent, over a period of years, blogging on this site, about a team you have no real interest in and TB fans that you regularly beret as stupid and uninformed. As the headshrinkers say "you have to be getting something out of it, otherwise why do it"; but that doesn't make the games you play here any the less pathetic. Your Leafs are obviously on the up-swing, why don't you focus on all of that, instead of spending your time focused here; or is it that your being a Leaf fan is all part and parcel of the games and things you play and spin here?

[Patrick]

Unless a roster slot is reserved for Krajicek, there's no way he outplays Smaby in training camp and earns the spot. I am guessing he was resigned because he was an RFA and they were hoping to use him as trade material. Without Krajicek in the lineup, I think all six positions at defense will be better than last year on opening night. That's mostly because it was so bad last year, but that's a pretty amazing offseason. Can't forget about Foster either.

On Ranger, I remember last year Tocchet really talking up Ranger's potential and he was doing it again last night. He said Ohlund could of course mentor Hedman, but also a guy like Ranger - I've thought this myself since we signed him. Playing with a guy like Ohlund might help Ranger discover that consistency he's needed. Tocchet said he expects big things from Ranger this year. Ranger has been part of a first pair when Boyle was here; with Ohlund as his partner I think that would work out much better.

[PD]

Heh Don, Burkie has pulled out 8 pretty good fish out of the lake..enjoy the minnows Lawton is playing /overpaying .

[oldtimer]

Coach Dave,

I agree with you about Kreijeck. I never really liked his game but I can't imagine the Bolts resiging him as their 1st FA signing unless they planned on him playing. Should be some real competition on D when camp starts. I've always liked Lundin's game and I hope he gets a fair shot at camp.

Maybe another winger is on the horizon. Not sure who but maube we can something for the rights to Vrbada?

[oldtimer]

Steve-O,

I left Smaby off because techincally he's not signed yet. If they do sign him, I'm not sure if he will make the roster. I like his game alot but I think he got upper mgt p.o. for not accepting the 2-way contract.

Right now they have Meszaros, Ranger, Lashoff and Wishart and Lundin under contract from last year. Then they signed Kreijeck, Ohlund, Walker & Foster. They drafted Hedman. So my question is which one of those would Smaby unseat? Certainly not Mezzy, Ranger, Ohlund, Walker, Hedman or Kreijeck. As your 7th defenseman he would compete against Lundin, Lashoff and Wishart. Depeding on what the arbitrator chooses as his salary, I could see Smaby in another organization.

[hyjyljyj]

Sounds like an icy blast was had by all...

Hey HChic, being from STL The Question naturally follows, where'd you go to high school?

[coachdave]

Here is what we might see in October:

Prospal, Lecavalier, Malone
St. Louis, Stamkos, Villieux
Downey, Halpern, Craig
Konopka, Schezura, Artuhkin

Ohlund Ranger
Mezaros Walker
Foster Smaby
Hedman
I think they like the way Kraijeck skates, but I never really took to him as a solid blue liner. It should be really intersting to see how this all shakes out, for sure. We really do need another winger to play top six.

[coachdave]

The young guns looked good, exciting to see the young lads play-
Hedman looked solid, no way he is anything more than a # 6 or even 7 right now-
Thought Read looked really good and tryrell was strong- Tyrell will start in Norfolk, no way he's getting a roster spot...yet.
Killorn and Witowski played very well also- good to see we are developing some depth, that helps, ALOT! Good night all in all-!

[olin]

....was a fun day and evening of hockey. Enjoy'd meeting and talking with Victor for 10 minutes after the morning practice's. Hoped I made him feel more comfortable with some of my Swedish stories and that he has a big fan here as well as many other's. Good to meet my new rep maggie and seeing many of my friend's and wallbanger's, and thank you for the good food and drink upstair's. Yes, hockey is alive and well in tampa, and great to see the fan's show up...the prospects showed what they can do and all said they are having a fun time...Tack se myket (thank's) to OK Hockey...GO BOLT's

[Steve-O]

Oldtimer we have all played GM at times however, I heard Tocchet on the radio last week call four center by name: V4, Stamkos, Halpern and Szczechura. So that is what he is thinking down the middle. If somebody wants one of those jobs they will have to step up and impress. You left Smaby off on Defense. Oversight or do you not think he can challenge? Finally, I think in the interest of going slow, Hedmen is third line not second. What I saw last night shows promise but he needs to get adjusted to the NHL. He did not overwhelm our other "Young Guns" and so some grooming will be in order. If reputation holds true he could/should move up over the season. Just my two cents.

[oldtimer]

Good morning everyone!

We’ll like everyone,I’m playing fantasy GM/Coach right now and based on the current roster This is the team I would like to see this year:

2009 TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Forward Lines:
Prospal - Lecavalier - St. Louis
Malone - Stamkos - Villieux
Downey - Tyrell - Karsums
Artuykhin - Craig - Knopka

Spare Parts: Halpern,Sczheura

Defensive Pairings:
Ohlund Kraijeck
Hedman Meszaros
Walker Ranger

Spare Parts: Foster, Lashoff

Goaltenders:
Smith
Nittimayki

Spare Parts: Helenius, Tokarski

I think this would give us balanced scoring on the first two lines. Some youth and speed on the third line and some muscle and grinding on the fourth line.

On defense I like to pair a big stay at home guy who can take the body with a mobile guy who can carry the puck. Ohlund and Kraijeck played as a pair in Vancouver, Hedman & Meszaros would provide two big guys who can skate well and I think Walker and Ranger would be a perfect tandem.

Anyway this is just an opinion and not (2 -b taken -2 seriously !)

[Hockey Chic]

Morning Peeps and fellow posters/bloggers

Yes the Young Guns camp was indeed a huge success at least from what I "saw" get it.LOL

I started the day early to arrive at the forum with the first group on the ice about 9:15 am or so. Spent the next two hours watching the young guns work, drill and compete. I have to say the furture does indeed look bright in tampa bay. Getting to see Ohlund and Hedman was great. They did their individual pictures on the ice yesterday as well. Spent some time talking to my buddy Olin who go to put up is poster from Hedmuns home country it was really cool.

Then took off to channel side for a good lunch at Hooters then stopped in to see my buddy Tampa Wine Guy glad to report all is well with him. Headed back to the house for a couple of hours and returned to a packed house for the scrimmage and skills competition.

I have to say Hockey is alive and well in Hockey Bay USA. The guys in the competition loved the crowd and even saluted us at center ice at the end.

Thanks to OK and crew and to the best ticket rep in the world Alison Namour for a great evening. Thanks to DC for keeping us all up to date with the free agency and draft great job.

I am really looking forward to seeing the new addiitons at d, as well as forward and of course the new back up Goalie. Well done OK. And to Lawton whom I know most do not care for but peeps you gotta admit he has done wonders in this off season.

Go Bolts.... Cannot wait for the season to start

ps I am sorry I missed the wall bangers but I did get to meet Hockey Granny sitting right in front of me and go figure we were both born in St. Louis. lol

[karma]

My wife and I showed up at about 7:15. I have to say that my mouth dropped when we walked in and saw the lower bowl behind the benches nearly full with fans, watching high school and college age kids play in a scrimmage. 4700+ hockey fans, on a beautiful night in July, in Tampa, where there are hundreds of other things to do. Yet, these people, like us, love their hockey and chose this. Don't tell me this isn't a hockey market!!!
Looking forward to some success this year, and it was additionally good to see Lawton and Koules walking about the halls and talking time to talk to fans. They are slowly getting it right.

[Steve-O]

Milhalik and Wishart certainly looked big. During intro's it was interesting that Hedman did not seem as large with so many other big guys out there. I liked the effort of Ashton and Hutchings as they were flying. Several player were notable which should make for some really good competition. Milhalik was a man amongst boys but made several bad first passes. There were about five broken sticks which is an indication as to how much lifting and slashing was going on. It was a lively endeavour. Fun!

[2WayCenter]

Good to see such a great turnout at the forum tonight. In Lawton's piece of the press conference he said something like "it is good to see the fans appreciate our recent successes", clearly acknowledging the less than stellar first act. His manor was relaxed and even a little humble. Yeah, a little different from recent performances behind the mic.

On the ice, the defensive paring of Milhalik and Wishart caught my eye. They really made things difficult for the white attackers. Although both had a couple suspect breakout passes, they also connected some tape to tapes. Wishart really had a good night with the puck. It is cool to see a big D skate the puck, toe drag into enough space to get a good chance. Of course, they were all having fun.

Hedman's skill is apparent. On one play, he calmly collected the puck while in reverse, surveyed his options in the process, and then made a nice outlet pass with a forechecker breathing down. It may read like a standard play, but to see it one would think he had a few NHL seasons under his belt. Having said that he was tentative in both zones at times.

Thanks to OK for the free event with $1 hot dogs and beer;)

[2WayCenter]

Good to see such a great turnout at the forum tonight. In Lawton's piece of the press conference he said something like "it is good to see the fans appreciate our recent successes", clearly acknowledging the less than stellar first act. His manor was relaxed and even a little humble. Yeah, a little different from recent performances behind the mic.

On the ice, the defensive paring of Milhalik and Wishart caught my eye. They really made things difficult for the white attackers. Although both had a couple suspect breakout passes, they also connected some tape to tapes. Wishart really had a good night with the puck. It is cool to see a big D skate the puck, toe drag into enough space to get a good chance. Of course, they were all having fun.

Hedman's skill is apparent. On one play, he calmly collected the puck while in reverse, surveyed his options in the process, and then made a nice outlet pass with a forechecker breathing down. It may read like a standard play, but to see it one would think he had a few NHL seasons under his belt. Having said that he was tentative in both zones at times.

Thanks to OK for the free event with $1 hot dogs and beer;)

[mike p]

Don, don't provoke PD. We could use a couple weeks without his wrath against the bolts (or a couple minutes). It IS pretty hard to complain about what has been done this off-season though. Nice work all round. Still wouldn't mind a minor beef-up on either secondary or top 6 scoring (though secondary is more reasonably to hope for).

[Herb]

Add me and my daughter to the list of those who had a "blast" tonight. Thank you Bolts for putting on a great free event. I am a full season ticket holder who was treated to complementary snacks and beverages. We got to meet Matt Walker and Mattias Ohlund> They seem to be top notch character guys and I am glad to have them as part of the team. I made sure to tell Matt Walker to check out the babefest that is Clearwater Beach in which he said he had already told about in is short time that he has been here. Thanks again Bolts and I am pumped for the new season.

[Don in St. Pete]

I'm guessing PD is scurrying to find some Leafie news. No new opening's to take a jab at the Bolts. Congrat's to OK hockey on a well planned out week and event and on giving the fans a free summer treat to whet their apetite for the excellent Bolt hockey to come. A special shout out to Damian who has kept his nose to the grindstone to continue to deliver news about the Bolts through the long off-season.